Sister Abby Girls

It was said that Sister Abby could teach a bird to sing,
but teaching McKinsey Laporte would be the real
challenge. That poor child couldn't hold a note if
you tied it to her.
Have a great week folks.
Shalom

RIP Amy

My heart is aching a bit today.
I just heard about the death of Amy Winehouse.
As talented as she was, talent just wasn't enough.
I hate to see potential die. I had always hoped that we
would one day see her sober, drug free and happy.
While I didn't always like the lyrics to her songs, because they
where so sad and often depressing,
I sure did love the way she sang!! She was an amazing
singer. I loved that ratty hairdo of hers and that over
the top eyeliner. She was different and I liked that about
her. I will never forget that awesome gap between her teeth.
27 was way to young to go. I feel for her parents. No
parent should ever have to bury a child. It seems so
out of order.
RIP Amy.
Shalom

The One Love Trailer

Hey Friends, my Momma always told me to share with my friend so
here you go!! Hope it warms your heart and makes you smile!
Have a great rest of the week!

What I Wore Today

I came across this wonderful website by Gemma Correll.
She is a brilliant and very funny illustrator. I adore her work.
She has created this wonderful blog called, " What I wore Today".
All you have to do is illustrate what you wore today and post it to the flickr account.
All this can be found on her website.
There are only a few more days to post so hurry up and get drawing folks.
Best to all of you. I would love to see what you wore today!!

Empty Head for Rent

Bubba and the Spider trio cut a sweet little deal.
They get to live in his head and he gets to have
company. It was a win win for everybody!
Have a wonderful week everyone!

American Girl Summer Shorts

Hello Family and Friends,
Hope that you all are enjoying all this hot, hot weather.
Back in Feb of this year I was asked to illustrate a puzzle
for American Girl Magazine
and I have to tell you that I LOVED EVERY SINGLE MINUTE OF IT!!!
I just love being a girl and illustrating for girls. Not that I don't enjoy
illustrating things for boys, but I just get to work with hair and clothes
and all! Run out and get yourself a copy. Happy 4th of July everyone!
Be safe!

More from the Sketch Book

Cordell Monkhouse has escaped from my
sketch book. Said he'd had it with the smell
of moth balls and Buttered Rum Life savers candy stuck to
the bottom of my purse. He going to be a print soon.
I'll let you know when. Have a good one everyone!

From My Sketch Pad

Hey Family,
Thanks so much for all your comments and visits.
They mean so much to me. Just wanted to share
a little something from my sketch pad.
I'm playing around with Halloween ideas.
Yeah, I know, but it's just around the corner he he he!
Have a wonderful week.

Sneak Preview of "One Love"

Hello Family,
I finally got a chance to catch my breathe for a second,
to come around and visit, but to also share a little bit
of what I've been up too. I recently had the chance to
work on a wonderful children's book that will be out soon
called,"One Love" by Cedella Marley. I am so excited about
this book! Cedella has so wonderfully adapted the words
of Bob Marley's (her Daddy) song and created this touching
story. You will want to read it again and again. The book is
going to be in stores on or about Oct 5th and I wanted to
share just a few scenes to wet your taste buds. I had fun
doing the illustrations and playing the song,"One Love"
while working on it he he he he! More to come my friends.
One Love Y'all!
Shalom
Happy Father's Day to all of you wonderful fathers!
Who's knows, may your daughter or son will take one
of your songs and turn it into a great book he he he!

The Happy Dance From My Chair

Hello Friends!
Oh my goodness it's been a long time since I had
the chance to blog, but I wanted to tell each of you
how much appreciate your visits and comments.
They have been such an encouragement to me while
relocating. I will slowly get back into blogging and coming
around to leave each of you a message. I am so happy
that I had today to do some blogging and see what YOU
talented folk have been up too. I'm so excited I'm doing
the happy dance my chair he he he he!
Have a wonderful weekend and
week everyone!
YOU GUYS ARE THE BESTEST IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!

Where You At????

Hey Gang,
Under a freakin' rock!! AGHHHHHHHHH!
I know I've been missing in action, but I have been
getting your messages and comments in between
breathing, working and unpacking. It's been a crazy busy
relocation to Charlotte. DRAMA! I miss each of you. I really do.
Thanks so much for you comments and while I am not
able to response right now to them, I so appreciate you
stopping by to leave a word or two. I owe
all of you fabulous people BIG TIME!!!! I am almost
done with a big job and I will be back soon to play.
Right now I have to find out where stuff is you know??
he he he he he!! My very best to ALL of you.
Shalom

Work it Lady Ming Ting

Lady Ming Ting is such a copy cat!
Her Toilet Bowl hat doubles as a litter pan
when she has to make piddles.
I miss y'all so much!!! Will be back soon.
Charlotte here I come!
Shalom y'all

Waiting For Uncle Al

Hello Family,
I wanted to share with you two very special people close
to my heart. My daughter Zoe and my dear Brother-In-Law
Alan Newton. Their story. Alan was wrongly convicted and
served 22 years in prison for a crime that he didn't commit.
It tore our family apart and caused us great pain. Zoe grew
up knowing about her Uncle Al. We spoke to Al over the phone
and wrote letters and sent cards. One day in 2006 we got
the most wonderful news and phone call. Alan was coming home!
DNA evidence tested by the Innocence Project freed my Brother-
In-Law and he is doing excellently today. Zoe and Alan have their
own special relationship. She is so proud of him and you can see
it all over her face when she sees him. Alan has been on CNN
and Fox News talking about his case and sharing his story with others.
The blessing is that he is NOT BITTER. Though wrongly accused and
imprisoned, you will often hear him say, " I did the time, but the time
didn't do me. I still feel sorry for the victim because the person that
has done this wrong is still out there." Alan speaks to young people
about the choices that they make. He speaks to my Zoe about who she is
and what she wants to be. He encourages her to work hard and
reach goals. I decided to write a book about Alan and Zoe's story.
About how they waited for each others and what it was
like meeting Uncle Al face to face finally.
It was a very special moment that my husband and I
will always remember. Al coming home was the best present
ever. There is still a long fight ahead of us and I still believe,
"What doesn't kill us, fattens us for the rest of the journey"
We still have a long way to go ,but at least we get to do it
together.
Shalom to All

One Love By Cedella Marley

Hey Family,
I just stopped by to show you a new book that I had the
awesome honor of illustrating called "One Love".
Written and adapted by Bob Marley's own beautiful daughter,
Cedella Marley! Cedella is a mom and designer of her own
fashion line as well as an author of children's books. Oh
and the girl can sing too! The chip don't fall to far from the
tree he he he he! When the book comes out later this summer
I will share with you some of the artwork. Hope that you all
are doing well and getting ready for the summer. I'm still packing
y'all. Sending massive hugs and best wishes to all of you.
Later guys.

Cowboys and Princesses

Missing each and everyone of you so VERY much.
Have great week all you Cowboys and Princesses.
Best to you all.
V

Happy Mother's Day

To all the wonderful and beautiful women who visit my blog
and leave such hilarious and awesome comments,
wishing you the very best and sweetest Mother's Day ever.
Even if you are not a mom, maybe a sister, aunt,
girlfriend, or caretaker, this Mother's Day wish is for you.
So lock the children outside and tell that man to make
a run to the Cheesecake Factory and get you some good
eats and of course watch all the chick flicks you want!
Oh... thats...um what I plan.. to..do.. yeah.
Happy Mothers's Day

Riley's World 2011

A print for babies room coming soon 2011

Moving, working, packing!
More change of scenery.
Hope that you all are doing well
and staying creative! I miss Y'all.
Hope to be back blogging soon.
You guys don't have to leave a comment,
but I'm sure glad that you visit and you do.
I so appreciate every comment and every single
visit. Best to you all.
Hugs
V

Working While Moving

For National Geographic children's work book 2009
Personal Project, " Gloria and Cous Cous the Cat"
2010 copyright

Just came by to change the scenery around here.
Hope that you all are doing well. I will holler back
a little later on. Be well and much
Shalom in your homes Y'all.
Blessed Passover and Easter
Peace Out

I Know Ya Got Soul

Just came by to change the view.
It is April after all. I won't be able
to respond to comments cause I've been
abducted by life!! Remain creative and happy.
Peace Out.

Old Toys

I love old dolls and toys. Just a little illustration
I worked on for a sample.
NJ is about to be hit again with yet
another snow storm. Stick a fork in me
cause I am done. This will be my last post
for a little bit. Need to take care of myself
and some other things too. I won't be able to
response to comments so please don't be
offended. You know I'm good for them he he he.
I'll be back in a little bit.
Shalom my friends.